I just purchased another La Pavoni Europiccola. Unfortunately this one isn't in working condition. I have yet to receive it but the problem I have been told is that the element is cracked. It's a 220v machine, so I was going to change it anyway to my countries 110v, but was wondering what else should I order other than just the element. Is it OK if I replace this brass element with a newer stainless steel one?

I'm thinking that I should get a couple of boiler spacers, heating element gasket and new screws for the element to match. Am I missing anything??? I was told that all gaskets are new including the element boiler gasket. Think I can just reuse this boiler gasket or stick with ordering a new one?

Once you get the machine do a thorough inspection and then call or email Doug/Barb at OE to discuss. They really are one-stop shopping to get it up and running.

Don't order anything until you get the machine. If it's one of the old screw on brass/copper elements, I'm pretty sure they don't make replacements. You will have to find it used.

crazy4espresso wrote:Don't order anything until you get the machine. If it's one of the old screw on brass/copper elements, I'm pretty sure they don't make replacements. You will have to find it used.

The newer ones (P-10ES) can be used, I believe, by using the flange (P-06 or P-06F) that matches the element. I think the difference is the threads - older ones have a fine pitch. This was my understanding when I decided to go ahead and get this second unit. Anyone know if this is correct or not?

Exactly correct. Older models have the fine thread and the fine thread flange nut is not available anymore but as a used part. If the element has the bolt on plate then it is plug and play as a new part albeit with stainless plate vs the old brass bolt on. Thoroughly test the old element to make sure it is actually not functioning since they can be simply shorted at the terminal end to the plate and appear to be 'burned'.

Can anyone tell me what size the nut on the inside of the tank holding the steam valve body is? Is it the same size as the sight glass elbows at 16mm?

Yes, all the inner nuts are brass jam nuts 16mm size.

orphanespresso wrote:Yes, all the inner nuts are brass jam nuts 16mm size.

Thanks Doug! You'll be seeing a parts order soon. LoL!

OK, I've been really thinking hard about what I should do with this machine. Original plan was to fix it up and bring it to work, which sounds like it may be next to impossible, but then I starting thinking that maybe I should just rebuild the head and use it as back up so that I have no down time what-so-ever when the one on my machine now needs a rebuild. That was until a friend stopped by and got me thinking!

Since my unit has the fine thread and no support of a replacement element assembly, would it be possible to just replace only the element of the same style (four pole)? If so how do you remove the poles from the base?

I may have something that might interest you.

I am the one with the rusty '77 Europiccola. Turns out that everything is completely siezed or cross-threaded, so all I can actually really use is the top stopper, the group and the power cable. The steam wand is alright, and the unobtanium rubber base is intact. The rest is really totally knackered.

I ordered a boiler flange nut ring for it via ebay which I no longer need, as I have managed to buy a later boiler that fits the group from the old boiler.

This nut is the one that holds the boiler to the base. It is fine pitch, and it has the three boiler mounting holes.

If you are willing to pay me back what I payed on ebay, it's yours. It should let you fit a new-style element to your old boiler. However, it wasn't a cheap thing, due to it being rare. The auction is here:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...K:MEWNX:IT

As you can see, I paid $40 + $8 shipping. Yes, it's a lot of money. It's the third one down on this page:

http://www.francescoceccarelli.eu/La_Pa...20ring.htm

I wish I could say "Here, have it for free", but (although it was money wasted), I am not really in a position where I can afford to waste money

Think about it - up to you